200 Level Math Courses

MA 203, Foundations of Elementary Mathematics I

Careful examination of mathematical ideas behind the mathematics taught in grades K-6, their history, and applications to daily life. Intended primarily for future elementary school teachers to provide them with a better understanding of the mathematics they will teach. This course, along with MA 204, Foundations of Elementary Mathematics II, will also be of value for any student who wants a better understanding of these ideas. Focus on understanding and exploring the mathematics through problem solving, projects, group explorations, use of manipulatives, and some use of technology. MA 203 concentrates on problem solving, whole number arithmetic and theory, discrete math, integers, fractions, decimals, and algebraic concepts. MA 203 does not count towards the mathematics major or minor requirements. Prerequisite: MA 050, passes with a grade of "C-" or higher, if required.

Text: Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers with Activities, 4th ed., by Beckmann.

MA 204, Foundations of Elementary Mathematics II

Careful examination of mathematical ideas behind the mathematics taught in grades K-6, their history, and applications to daily life. Intended primarily for future elementary school teachers to provide them with a better understanding of the mathematics they will teach. This course, along with MA 203, Foundations of Elementary Mathematics I, will also be of value for any student who wants a better understanding of these ideas. Focus on understanding and exploring the mathematics through problem solving, projects, group explorations, use of manipulatives, and some use of technology. Topics in MA 204 include fractions, ratios and percentages, data analysis, counting and probability, geometry of shape, measurement, and measurement geometry (perimeter, area, surface area, volume). MA 204 does not count towards the mathematics major or minor requirements. Prerequisite: MA 203 passed with a grade of "C-" or higher.

Text: Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers with Activities, 4th ed., by Beckmann.

MA 220, Probability and Statics I

To provide an axiomatic, calculus-based approach to probability and introductory statistics. The course is built around the process of performing a statistical analysis; posing the question, collecting the data, describing the data, analyzing and modeling the data, and drawing inferences from the data regarding the original question. Specific topics covered include sampling, descriptive analysis of data, probability, random variables, discrete and continuous distributions, expectation, confidence intervals, one sample hypothesis testing, chi-square analyses, correlation, and regression. Prerequisite: MA 126 passes with a grade of "C-" or higher.

Text: Modern Mathematical Statistics with Applications, 7th ed., by Devore.

MA 221, Linear Algebra

Systems of equations, matrix algebra, linear transformations, Eigenvectors, linear programming, and computational methods. Prerequisites: MA 120 or MA130, and MA125, each passed with a grade of "C-" or higher, and MA LVL1.

MA 237, Programming in Mathematics

Provides an introduction to the use of technology as it applies to mathematics. A major component of the course will be to build a solid foundation in the skills needed to apply mathematical concepts to programming. In addition, the use of technology in presentations, scholarly searches, and its role and limitations in computer and internet security will be covered. Students will gain an appreciation of the important ethical and social issues involving the use of technology. Prerequisites: MA 120, MA 125, and MA 126, each passed with a "C-" or higher and MA LVL 2. Co-requisite: MA 311 or MA 221 or MA 225.